Is Autism More Common in Boys Than Girls? The Truth Behind the Numbers

Yes, autism is more often diagnosed in boys than in girls—but the full picture is more complex than the numbers suggest.

According to the CDC (2023), about 1 in 23 boys and 1 in 90 girls are diagnosed with autism in the U.S. That’s nearly a 4:1 ratio. But many researchers now believe this gap may be partially due to how autism shows up differently in girls.



Girls with autism often mask their symptoms, mimicking social behaviors or flying under the radar because they may not display the same repetitive behaviors typically seen in boys. 

As Dr. Francesca Happé of King’s College London explains, “We’re getting better at spotting autism in girls, but we still have a long way to go.”

This matters. If girls are being missed or misdiagnosed, they might not receive the support they need early on—when intervention can make the biggest impact.

Whether a child is a boy or a girl, early identification and personalized support can be life-changing. Autism doesn’t have one look or feel—it’s a spectrum. The key is recognizing it in all its forms.

At Achieve Behavioral Therapy, we understand that every child is unique. That’s why our ABA therapy is never one-size-fits-all. We create customized plans based on each child’s strengths, challenges, and goals.

If you're noticing signs of autism or have concerns about your child’s development, we're here to guide and support you.



Reach out to Achieve Behavioral Therapy to learn how our team can help your child thrive.